The kick-a-thon was part of the Celebration of Giving Back flood benefit, held May 19 in Ionia.

Staff Reports

Nine students from Pitchford's ATA Black Belt Academy kicked it May 15, and raised $896 to help Steele Street businesses damaged by flooding in April and May. The academy was one of those businesses.

The kick-a-thon was part of the Celebration of Giving Back flood benefit, held May 19 in Ionia.

"Not only did each student have to kick 1,090 times, they did it in under an hour," said Erik Pitchford, academy co-owner. "Great job to all that attended, and for the parents' help in raising the money for a great cause."

Canterbury Estates donated use of its clubhouse for the kick-a-thon, because flood waters destroyed the academy's facility, Pitchford said.

There is still time to make a donation to the Steele Street benefit to help local businesses recover from the flood, but it must be made by the end of today, May 28.